STRIKING firefighters lost out on more than £1million of pay in the past year.

Figures revealed the fire service underspent on firefighters pay by £913,000 during the last 11 months and another £161,000 on retained firefighter pay.

The more than £1million savings was also achieved in spite of the service having to cover several firefighter strikes until the industrial dispute was settled in October last year.

The figures were published in a report for the audit, governance and review committee of the Essex Fire Authority.